Sean Kingston + New Boyz at Gramercy Theatre
For our money, one of the year’s strongest singles is Sean Kingston’s kiss-off anthem, “Face Drop” (view the vid above). Tonight, check out the pop-reggae star as he performs in support of his sophomore LP, Tomorrow, a surefire mood lifter. If you found “Beautiful Girls” addictive, you’ll fall instantly for the disc’s breezy, danceable hooks. Opening is the skinny-jeans-sporting L.A. rap duo New Boyz, currently generating heaps of buzz with their brash rhymes.

Gretchen Parlato at Jazz Standard
She’s just past 30, but jazz diva Gretchen Parlato—who has held her own alongside heavyweights such as Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter—comes off like a seasoned pro. Here she plays behind her second disc, In a Dream. For more info, read Steve Smith’s preview of the gig.

Buraka Som Sistema at (Le) Poisson Rouge
According to our own Sophie Harris, this Portugese kuduro outfit put on one of 2009’s most infectious NYC shows at Bowery Ballroom back in May. Tonight it stops by a much smaller downtown venue for a sure-to-be-crazy performance.

Lyle Lovett and His Large Band at Beacon Theatre
The wry country favorite hits this classy uptown joint with a new album, Natural Forces, in tow.

Say Anything at Highline Ballroom
Max Bemis and his visionary, tragicomic emo outfit close out a two-night local stand. Read Hank Shteamer’s feature on the band here, and view an exclusive acoustic performance by Bemis here.

The Very Best at Santos Party House
The Euro-Afro pop experts—recently profiled in TONY—make up for a canceled CMJ appearance at this lively Tribeca spot.

1. Julian Casablancas Phrazes for the Young The Strokes frontman unexpectedly issues one of the best records of the year. Read our review here and listen here.

2. Say Anything Say Anything The uncommonly innovative emo-punk outfit gets boldly optimistic. Read our recent feature on the group here and listen here.

3. The King Khan & BBQ Show Invisible Girl The raw energy of a Khan show gets captured on disc yet again.

4. Cold Cave Love Comes Close A wider release comes for a synth-heavy buzz band. Listen here.

5. Weezer Raditude Will Weezer start to measure up to its first years anytime soon? If the Rainn Wilson–penned title of this record is any indication, no. But, hey, we’ll take a listen.

For more releases, see Largehearted Boy.

Say Anything at the Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza
Things are looking much better these days for Say Anything frontman Max Bemis, and the group’s new self-titled album (out today on RCA) proves it. The band plays the first of two local gigs tonight: just enough time for you to read Hank Shteamer’s feature on Bemis and the boys, then head down for the show.

Bushwick Book Club: On the Origin of Species at Goodbye Blue Monday
Franz Nicolay, Susan Hwang, Dave Novak and other local luminaries offer a melodic tribute to Charles Darwin’s (r)evolutionary tome.

Noah and the Whale at the Mercury Lounge
A breakup is a terrible thing to endure, yet it can be a thrill to listen to a gifted songwriter recount amorous woe. Charlie Fink and his bandmates offer potent proof during their second show of the week.

The Mahavishnu Project at Drom
Whether you remember the days of blazing jazz-rock fusion or not, you won’t soon forget seeing drummer Gregg Bendian rolling sextuplets across his kit amid blazing guitars, violin and keyboards.

WBGO Champions of Jazz with the Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra and more at the Rose Theater
The local jazz community would be far poorer without the efforts of Newark radio station WBGO-FM, which celebrates its 30th anniversary by turning the spotlight on its own honorees: saxophonist Paquito D’Rivera and Downbeat magazine.

Intrigued by the Say Anything feature in this week’s TONY? Here’s an exclusive acoustic performance of the band’s new song “Eloise,” courtesy of frontman Max Bemis. Catch Say Anything live next Tuesday (November 3) at Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza, and Wednesday (November 4) at Highline Ballroom.